Los Angeles County Supervisors Approve Motion to Reinforce Hospital Protections and Immigration Enforcement Protocols 

Solis’ motion creates an oversight committee, expands staff training, and seeks recommendations to improve patient safety amid immigration enforcement. 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved a motion authored by Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Board Chair Pro Tem and Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to strengthen protections for patients, visitors and staff at County-operated medical facilities amid ongoing immigration enforcement activity. 

Since the start of the Trump administration’s inhumane immigration enforcement efforts in 2025, County hospitals and medical facilities have experienced increased interactions involving civil law enforcement officials, raising concerns about patient privacy, access to care and the safety of healthcare settings. 

“Across the County, residents and healthcare professionals have expressed deep concern about the presence of federal immigration enforcement activity in medical facilities,” said Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “Today’s action will help ensure County employees have clear guidance and protocols in place so our hospitals and healthcare settings remain safe, trusted and accessible spaces for all who rely on them.” 

Los Angeles County previously adopted a Sensitive Locations Policy prohibiting the use of County resources for civil immigration enforcement. The County’s Department of Health Services (DHS) also recently implemented its “DHS Civil Law Enforcement Agencies and Protocol for Patients in Civil Detention” policy, which provides guidance to hospital staff when interacting with civil law enforcement agencies and outlines staff training requirements. 

“When our residents seek medical care, their focus should be on that — not on the fear, trauma, and uncertainty created by the presence of immigration enforcement, which has no business being in our hospitals. This motion is about protecting the integrity of our healthcare system, ensuring hospitals remain safe and trusted spaces for all patients, and equipping our dedicated healthcare workers with the tools and guidance they need to respond appropriately and safely in the event of immigration enforcement activity,” said Board Chair Pro Tem and Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

The motion directs the County to establish an internal committee composed of experienced hospital personnel, County Counsel and the Office of Immigrant Affairs to oversee implementation of the DHS policy, coordinate immediate staff training and develop recommendations to strengthen protections and operational guidance moving forward. 

The motion also requires a report back within 30 days with additional recommendations to coordinate with health plans, community clinics, hospitals and healthcare providers across Los Angeles County on best practices to protect patients, visitors and staff during interactions with civil law enforcement officials.